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Published July 10, 2026 • Last updated July 10, 2026
Activewear is the category I stock up on every single Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and for good reason. Leggings, sports bras, and everyday sets are things you actually wear out, so buying them on sale just makes sense. In 2026 the Sale opens to the public on July 18, with cardmembers shopping early.
I pulled together the 23 best activewear pieces in this year's Sale. That covers the cult-favorite brands like Zella, Vuori, and Beyond Yoga, plus everyday staples from Nike, Spanx, and Varley. I sorted them by type so you can shop exactly what you need to refresh.
A quick note before we start. Anniversary Sale prices go live on July 18, so the live Sale price is not showing yet. I will update this post with each piece's Sale price the day the deals drop.
This is my activewear pick of the Sale, and it pairs perfectly with my Nordstrom loungewear and athleisure guide. For more, see my roundup of the 20 best beauty deals and the best jewelry in the Anniversary Sale.
Activewear in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale means leggings, sports bras, tops, and athleisure from brands like Zella, Vuori, and Beyond Yoga, offered at a discount during the Sale, which runs once a year. It matters because premium activewear rarely goes on sale, so Anniversary is one of the best times to stock up. It is most useful for anyone refreshing their gym rotation or building an everyday athleisure wardrobe without paying full price.
The best activewear in the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale includes the Zella Studio Luxe leggings, the Vuori Daily Form leggings, and the Beyond Yoga Space Dye bra. These are the buttery-soft, everyday pieces that hold up wash after wash and rarely discount. The Sale opens to the public on July 18, 2026.
Quick Takeaways
- Premium activewear rarely goes on sale, so Anniversary is the year's best chance to stock up.
- Top picks: Zella Studio Luxe leggings, Vuori Daily Form leggings, Beyond Yoga bras.
- Zella is the best value; Vuori and Beyond Yoga are worth the splurge.
- Sorted by type: leggings, bras, shorts, tops, joggers, and layers.
- The Sale opens to the public July 18; cardmembers shop early.
- Live Sale prices drop July 18; the best sizes and colors sell out fast.
My three top activewear picks to grab the moment the Sale opens.
What Are the Best Leggings in the Sale?
The best leggings are the Zella Studio Luxe, the Vuori Daily Form, and the Beyond Yoga Space Dye. A great pair of leggings is the hardest-working piece in your closet, so it is worth buying the buttery-soft ones on sale.
I look for a high waist that stays put and fabric that is squat-proof. Here are the leggings I would add to my cart first.
The Studio Luxe is Zella's cult-favorite legging, with a smoothing high waist, side pockets, and that soft-yet-supportive feel. This is the pair I recommend to everyone because it punches way above its price. If you buy one legging in the Sale, make it this one.
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Vuori's Daily Form leggings have that signature buttery, second-skin feel that fans obsess over. Vuori rarely goes on sale, so Anniversary is the moment to grab them. It is the splurge legging that feels like nothing on.
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The Beyond Yoga Space Dye is famous for its cozy, heathered fabric and flattering high waist. The midi length is perfect for both workouts and errands. It is a soft, do-it-all pair you will reach for constantly.
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The Live In is Zella's everyday workhorse legging at an even friendlier price. It is stretchy, supportive, and great for everything from yoga to lounging. A perfect basic to stock up on in a couple of colors.
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This Studio Luxe pair adds a sporty piped detail for a slightly more elevated look. It has the same smoothing waist and soft feel as the classic. A great option if you want your leggings to look a little more designed.
Shop Now →Good leggings are the base of any athleisure wardrobe. See how I build mine in my loungewear and athleisure guide and my capsule wardrobe guide.
My full Anniversary Sale shopping list — the finds actually worth your money, sorted by worth-it or skip, with the July 18 go-live reminder so nothing sells out on you.
Send me the cheat sheet →What Are the Best Sports Bras in the Sale?
The best sports bras are the Zella Seamless Strappy, the Beyond Yoga Space Dye, and the Vuori Daily Form. A good bra makes or breaks a workout, so it is worth having a few in rotation.
I like a mix of low-impact strappy styles and more supportive options. Here are my sports bra picks.
The Zella Seamless is a soft, strappy, low-impact bra that doubles as an everyday piece under a blazer or tee. At its sale price it is practically a stock-up staple. This is the bra I buy in multiples.
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This Beyond Yoga bra has a longline silhouette in that signature cozy Space Dye fabric. The longer cut gives extra coverage and doubles as a crop top. It is comfortable enough to live in all day.
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The Vuori Daily Form bra pairs perfectly with the matching leggings for an easy set. It has that soft, supportive Vuori feel that fans love. A great splurge if you want a coordinated look.
Shop Now →What Are the Best Shorts in the Sale?
The best activewear shorts are the Zella Studio Luxe bike shorts, the Nike Universa biker shorts, and the Vuori Clementine. Shorts are the summer essential for workouts, walks, and lounging in the heat.
I always want a supportive bike short and a looser everyday pair. Here are my shorts picks.
These Studio Luxe bike shorts have the same smoothing waist and side pockets as the beloved leggings. Bike shorts are a summer must for workouts and errands alike. At this price they are an easy add to the cart.
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The Nike Universa offers medium support with a high waist and handy pockets. Nike's premium Universa line rarely goes on sale, so this is a real find. A supportive pair that works for training and everyday wear.
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The Vuori Clementine is a soft, relaxed short that is perfect for lounging, walking, or light workouts. It has that easy, throw-on comfort Vuori is known for. A great everyday summer short you will live in.
Shop Now →What Are the Best Tops, Tanks, and Dresses in the Sale?
The best tops are the Zella Breathe ruched tank, the Zella Breathe long-sleeve tee, and the Vuori Energy racerback. A good workout top layers easily and takes you from the gym to running errands.
I also love an athleisure dress for effortless summer days. Here are my top and tank picks.
The Breathe ruched tank is a flattering, sweat-wicking top with a cinched center detail. It is light, breathable, and perfect for hot-weather workouts. A versatile tank you will wear on repeat all summer.
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This Breathe long-sleeve tee is a lightweight performance layer for cooler mornings or extra sun coverage. It is soft, breathable, and endlessly wearable. A smart everyday piece at a great price.
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The Vuori Energy racerback has a built-in feel and that soft, elevated Vuori fabric. It is the tank that looks put-together enough to wear out. A comfortable, do-it-all summer piece.
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The Effortless midi is an athleisure dress you can throw on for errands, travel, or a walk. It has the comfort of your favorite leggings in dress form. This is the piece that makes getting dressed on a busy day easy.
Shop Now →Athleisure is my go-to uniform on busy days. See more easy pieces in my Nordstrom summer basics guide and how I style them in my signature style guide.
What Are the Best Joggers and Pants in the Sale?
The best joggers and pants are the Zella Ultra Cozy joggers, the Vuori Halo joggers, and the Spanx AirEssentials wide-leg. These are the comfy, elevated bottoms that work for travel, lounging, and errands.
I love a jogger for cozy days and a wide-leg for a more pulled-together look. Here are my picks.
The Ultra Cozy joggers live up to the name with an ultra-soft, brushed interior. They are the joggers you will want to travel and lounge in all year. At this price, they are an easy stock-up piece.
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Vuori's Halo joggers are the internet-famous pair known for feeling like a cloud. They look polished enough to wear out yet feel like pajamas. Vuori rarely discounts, so this is the time to grab them.
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The Spanx AirEssentials wide-leg is the viral, buttery-soft pant everyone loves for its smoothing fit. It dresses up or down and travels beautifully. A do-it-all pant that feels as good as it looks.
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The Zella Soft Luxe wide-leg gives you that elevated, flowy look at a friendly price. It is comfortable enough to lounge in and polished enough to wear out. A great everyday alternative to the pricier options.
Shop Now →What Are the Best Sweatshirts and Jackets in the Sale?
The best layers are the Varley Milano half-zip, the Vuori Restore hoodie, and the North Face Osito fleece. A cozy layer is the piece that finishes an athleisure look and gets you through cool mornings.
These are also the fall staples worth grabbing now, before the Sale ends. Here are my layering picks.
The Varley Milano is the elevated half-zip that looks expensive and feels incredibly soft. Varley is a favorite for polished athleisure that reads more designer than gym. It is the layer that pulls a whole outfit together.
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The Vuori Restore hoodie is a soft, everyday cotton-blend layer you will grab constantly. It has that easy, lived-in feel Vuori does so well. A wardrobe staple that rarely goes on sale.
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The Zella Piped half-zip gives you that sporty, elevated look at a value price. The piped detail makes it feel a little more designed. A great everyday pullover for layering over leggings.
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The North Face Osito is the classic plush fleece jacket that comes back every fall. It is warm, cozy, and a genuine cool-weather staple. Buying it now during the Sale means you are ready before the price goes back up.
Shop Now →Cozy layers are worth buying ahead. See more everyday staples in my summer basics guide and my tips for shopping smart in my money-saving guide.
How I Picked These 23 Activewear Pieces
I picked these 23 pieces the same way I shop the Sale for myself. I am not claiming to have tested every single item this week, since the Sale prices launch on July 18. Instead, I chose them on brand, fabric, versatility, and how often you will actually wear each one.
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1
Cult-favorite brands. Zella, Vuori, and Beyond Yoga consistently deliver the softest, longest-lasting activewear.
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2
Pieces you wear most. I sorted everything by type so you can refresh your leggings, bras, tops, and layers.
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3
Fabric that lasts. I favored buttery, squat-proof, wash-after-wash fabrics that hold their shape.
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4
Every budget. From a $20 Zella bra to a splurge-worthy Vuori jogger, there is something for every wallet.
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5
Pieces I would keep or gift. Every item is one I would happily wear or give.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Activewear on Sale
The biggest mistake is waiting too long, because the best sizes and colors in cult pieces like the Zella Studio Luxe sell out before the public opening. A close second is buying trendy pieces instead of the everyday staples you will actually wear.
Pros
- Stock up on staplesBuy leggings and bras in multiples – you wear them most.
- Grab the splurge brandsVuori and Beyond Yoga rarely discount, so buy them now.
- Shop layers earlyFall fleeces and half-zips are best bought before the Sale ends.
Cons
- Don't wait for restocksPopular sizes and colors often do not come back during the Sale.
- Don't skip the basicsEveryday leggings beat a trendy piece you will rarely wear.
- Don't ignore fabricChoose squat-proof, lasting fabric over the lowest price.
Splurge vs. Smart-Value Picks
“The best activewear buy is the piece you reach for every day – and Anniversary Sale is the rare time the cult brands actually go on sale.— Jasmine Del Toro, Layers of Beauty
My three top activewear picks to grab the moment the Sale opens.
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Activewear: FAQ
When does the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale start?+
What is the best activewear to buy in the Anniversary Sale?+
Is Zella or Vuori better?+
Why don't I see the sale prices yet?+
Does Vuori ever go on sale?+
What activewear should I stock up on?+
Is the Anniversary Sale a good time to buy fall layers?+
Which activewear sells out first?+
Do I need a Nordstrom card to shop the activewear?+
Where can I shop all your activewear picks?+
TL;DR — Activewear is one of the smartest buys in the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Stock up on the staples first, like the Zella Studio Luxe leggings and Seamless bras, then splurge on a Vuori legging or jogger while they are marked down. Build your wish list before July 18 so you can check out before the best sizes and colors sell out.
The Bottom Line on This Year’s Activewear
A sale like this is not really about buying more. It is about setting yourself up with the pieces that make moving your body feel easy and good.
The right activewear does exactly that, every time you put it on. That is the whole idea behind Layers of Beauty – taking care of yourself is a layer of self-care, not a chore.
So pick the pieces that feel like you, skip the rest, and enjoy the Sale. As of July 2026, these 23 activewear pieces are the ones I would shop first, and you can find all of them on my LTK shop. If you need a little extra push, my summer glow-up starts with confidence post is a good read. For a deeper look at one cult-favorite budget pair, see my Halara leggings review.